"I fulfill needs until I'm numb to my own." ~ pg. 133
Sariyah is blessed with the unique gift of hearing what people need. It could be menial things like a pencil, hair tie, batteries or chewing gum. As a result, she carries around a Santa Bag of items just to clear her mind and help others. But when she fulfills a need for her friend Deja who disappears shortly after, she questions whether it's a gift or a curse.
Determined not to let another Black girl be lost and forgotten, Sariyah and her best friend Malcolm try to find Deja. Meanwhile, Sariyah balances life at home with a mother experiencing lows and a brother facing complications with sickle cell disease. It's a lot for a teenage girl to handle on her own but Sariyah draws strength and resources.
"That ability has done you, and a bunch of others, a whole lot of good." ~ pg. 17
I am impressed for this to be a debut novel. Channelle Desamours certainly knows how the minds of young adults work being a high school science teacher. She perfectly captured their language and emotions. As the story unfolded, I could see where it was heading and appreciated the skillful way she told this important story with a twist. Oh, she took it there! Needy Little Things is fictional with a touch of magic, but the real life message was heard loud and clear!
I recommend Needy Little Things for young adults, parents of teenagers and educators. It may help us become more intentional, pay more attention to signs and respect the needs of others. The vibrant book cover will look good on your bookshelf too!
Title: Needy Little Things
Author: Channelle Desamours
Published: February 2025
Pages: 306
Edition: Hardcover
Genre: Young Adult
Rating: 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤